Jaimes Leggett, Group CEO of M&C Saatchi Australia, was confirmed as the ongoing chair of The Communications Council, following seven months as interim chair. The decision was voted in at The Communications Council’s 2016 AGM in May.
Since taking the position last October, Leggett has overseen the rejuvenation of The Communications Council’s strategic plan, which has included delivering an enhanced training calendar for Australian agencies, which has included: seven internationally recognised IPA online and residential courses, in addition to the longstanding AdSchool, AWARD School and Graduate programs.
This year has also seen the introduction of the AWARD partnership with Semi Permanent, in an effort to raise the profile of the industry to a broader audience of creative professionals and students.
Moving forward, next week will also see the release of The Communications Council’s Advertising Pays report – an independent study into the economic value of the industry, revealing how advertising in its broadest form can be used by government and business to achieve strategic objectives. The study will be released on Wednesday 15 June, with an initial launch event in Sydney.
Leggett said, “We have made some important steps, with several successful partnerships that have allowed us to raise the profile of our industry among broader creative audiences, and the development of a more structured and comprehensive training program.
“Over the next six months we will continue to focus our efforts on building a culture of continuous professional development through the delivery of world class training, championing commercial creativity and effectiveness through our annual Effies Awards, and raising the reputation of our industry as we share the findings of our Advertising Pays study next week.”
Tony Hale, CEO of The Communications Council said, “We are delighted that Jaimes has agreed to continue as Chair. He has helped navigate several key and progressive developments within The Communications Council to build a more sustainable and valuable model for members moving forward.
“We have a great calendar of activity planned for the coming months, kicking off with next week’s Advertising Pays launch, which will be a great opportunity to bring our member base together to discuss the future of our industry.”
The AGM also confirmed several changes to the national board, with David Lo, CEO of The Zoo Republic, stepping down after 10 years, and Andrew Baxter, CEO of Publicis, after two.
Leggett continued, “David Lo and Andrew Baxter have been heavily involved across Communications Council initiatives and activity in the many years that they have been both members and board members. I would like to thank them – and the rest of our national board – for their long-running support, knowledge and guidance.
“We have a smart and passionate team of leaders committed to raising standards across the industry and increasing value for our members – I look forward to continuing that work in 2016. ”
